Mouse birthing

Question
QUESTION: So I saw my pet mouse mating and after, I took the male out. But now she seems to be quiet. She doesn't seem to be active. She lays on the same spot all day, Is that normal? And after mating, does that mean she is pregnant? Or is it possibility that she isn't. Cuz they mated like 9 times in a day......

ANSWER: Dear Michelle,

After successful mating, a mouse has a whitish plug in her vagina, but it doesn't stay longer than 24 hours. It is certainly possible for them to have mated without her being in estrus, which means she can't conceive; males mate all the time. Mice come into estrus every 5 days, though it can be hastened by exposing her to very dirty male litter, because the male urine can trigger the estrus.   It is best usually to leave them together for a week to be sure. You may simply not know until she starts to show after two weeks.  There is no reason not to leave a male and female together during pregnancy, but of course not if that means he has access to other females.

It is possible that she was tired out from the mating, but she should be OK by tonight. If she is still lethargic, watch her carefully for signs of illness. Because many medications are contraindicated for  pregnancy, you will need to bring her to a vet for help rather than use a home medical remedy.

I hope everything goes great <:3  )--~

squeaks,

Natasha


---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: In the end she wapregnantnt and she gave birth today! But I have another question . When she gave birth. She had 2 and her belly was still big and I could literally see babies moving in her stomach. But why isn't she giving birth to them? Do mice give birth birth to them all at once or hours separating each?

Answer
Dear Michelle,
 
A mouse should be done with labor within a few hours. She may be nervous and holding back. Leave her completely alone. Mice in labor should never be disturbed. You can wait a day to count the babies.

I wish her the best of luck!

squeaks,

Natasha